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TCPA Laws: Stop Robocalls and Unwanted Telemarketing Calls
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What Is a Robocall? “An automated call, or "robocall," is a call dialed by a computer.” Under the TCPA, those who want to make robocalls must get the called party's "prior express consent." (47 U.S.C. § 227(b)(1)(A),(B) (2026).) An FCC rule from 2012 says that "prior express consent" means "prior express written consent" when the robocall involves telemarketing or advertising. (47 C.F.R. § 64.1200(a)(2),(3) (2026); In the Matter of Rules and Reguls. Implementing the Tel. Consumer Prot. Act of 1991, 27 FCC Rcd. 1830, 1831 (2012).)
Robocalls and telemarketing harassment affect millions of Americans daily, but federal and state laws provide strong consumer protections. The federal Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) (47 U.S.C. § 227 (2026)) and its implementing regulations (47 C.F.R. § 64.1200 (2026)) restrict automated calls, prerecorded voice messages, and text messages to cell phones and residential lines. Recent updates strengthen these protections, with the FCC banning AI-generated robocalls and courts clarifying consent requirements. “States including Arkansas, Florida, Oklahoma, and Washington have enacted additional telemarketing restrictions that provide even greater consumer safeguards.” With this guide to the TCPA and state telemarketing laws, you can learn how to protect yourself from unwanted calls. Understanding your TCPA rights empowers you to stop unwanted calls, register on do-not-call lists, document violations, and recover statutory damages ranging from $500 to $1,500 per illegal call.